Jockey Mickael Barzalona is to return home to France but will continue to ride for Godolphin.

Barzalona, who won the Epsom Classic aboard Pour Moi in 2011, was snapped up to join Godolphin in 2012 and won both the Dubai World Cup aboard Monterosso and the St Leger on Encke during his first year with Sheikh Mohammed's operation.

However, the 22-year-old has endured a difficult start to this season, with Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby spreading the net wider in terms of his use of riders.

Barzalona has missed out on a number of high-profile rides, notably sitting on the sidelines when Godolphin had three runners in Saturday's Derby.

Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock advisor John Ferguson said Barzalona would continue to ride for the powerful operation.

"Sheikh Mohammed has always maintained that Mickael Barzalona is a world-class jockey. He will move back to France where he will continue to ride horses owned by Godolphin and Darley," Ferguson said in a statement on Godolphin's website.

"It will also mean that he is reunited with the man who first uncovered his precocious talent as a teenager, Andre Fabre.

"Not only is Mickael a naturally gifted sportsman, he is also a true gentleman who has handled a difficult time with the utmost professionalism and true class."

Barzalona, who has ridden 124 winners for Godolphin in the United Kingdom since 2011, said he had enjoyed his time in England.

"I will be returning to France very soon and full of enthusiasm having had some great experiences during my time in England," he said.

"The recent period has been a difficult time but is something that every sportsman can expect to go through and I am sure I will come out of it stronger and even more focused.

"I am only 22 and have a long career ahead of me doing a job that I love."